Let Your Faith Be Tested

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

-James 1:2-3

What would it look like if your faith was never tested?

It’s a simple question, but it’s one that I think applies to most of us.

Generally speaking, I would say that I have been blessed with a trial-free life. My faith has not been tested through any loss of physical health, loss of wealth, or the loss of my family and friends.

Sure, bad things have happened. But if you look at truly catastrophic events, I’m thankful that my life has not included many difficult trials.

Some of you may be like me. Maybe your faith has rarely (if ever) been tested through trials.

Some of you may have a different experience. Maybe you lost your wife. Maybe you lost a child. Maybe you lost your wealth in a terrible situation. Maybe your physical health declined.

If you’ve undergone terrible trials and are still a Christian, I imagine you would say that the trials have only made your faith stronger. Or if you’re currently undergoing terrible trials, maybe it’s your faith that is getting you through the difficult time.

I want to be a Steadfast Dad. I pray that God would produce steadfastness within me.

But here’s the honest truth: I don’t know if I want my faith to be tested to become steadfast.

I know that it’s silly—I want the end result without going through the process. But I have a hard time thinking that I’ll be able to “count it a joy” when I encounter trials.

I know some men who have undergone terrible things in their lives. They are faithful men and strong believers. They are steadfast because their faith has been tested.

I know other men who have never undergone trials. They are faithful men, but they have not yet become steadfast through the testing of their faith. I probably fall into this category.

Trials are eventually inevitable. We know that all of us will encounter trials at some point in our lives.

I pray that God would prepare my heart and mind to remain faithful when I do encounter trials.

I pray that I would become steadfast through the testing of my faith.